Trout alert

Three trout wait for a flush of water to continue up the
temporary diversion channel beside the Water of Leith, in
Dunedin, yesterday. Fish and Game will be keeping a close eye
on trout to ensure they are not getting stranded in the
channel, operations manager Ian Hadland says.

The Otago Regional Council was widening and deepening the
channel between the Leith footbridge and Forth St to improve
flood protection for the central business district.

In consultation with Fish and Game, it had been decided the
best way to prevent sedimentation entering the harbour and
keep the river clean was to close off the bed and create a
diverted channel, he said.

Mr Hadland had not received any reports of fish getting
stranded in the channel but would be keeping a ''watching
brief'' on the situation.

Trout should not be migrating at the moment so the trout in
the channel might be curious or looking for food.

Fish and Game was concerned about the long-term habitat in
the Leith and the flood protection work promised to deliver a
more fish-friendly environment when finished, Mr Hadland
said.